Counties Project Manager, James Hyde, shares about Counties 125th anniversary celebrations in North Devon - showing God is always moving in the lives of His people.

Grosvenor Church Barnstaple Counties 125yr Celebration

Dave Symons Counties North Devon

Alex and Beth Symons Counties North Devon

 Andy Pierce

Steve Ellacott Counties North Devon

James with Sue Ashmole, Neighbourhood Chaplains and Debbie Hyde, Counties Church Planting

In a conversation typical of North Devon, where family memories are treasured, our celebration event began with: “Bey, didn’t us’ave a Counties anniversary backalong?” Well…yes, in 1974!  Our hearts were warmed as Andy Pierce led us down the North Devon memory lanes with his late father. Denis Pierce, Counties Evangelist, Grosvenor Church Leader, and Counties staff who led the 1974 Counties celebrations.

Andy said: “I’m told that when our parents announced to our family that Dad was leaving his employment as an accountant to become an evangelist and then joining Counties, 10-year-old me thought it meant a Billy Graham-type future in America!

“Instead, Pa started his mission work in Chagford, rather than Chicago, apparently with a minor miracle to begin with – getting a 7’6” wide caravan through a 7’3” gateway to the field where he also set up a marquee, ‘The Big Tent’

“Dad visited numerous places around the county, with The Big Tent, for the next 20 years. The imperative was, however, as the Apostle Paul said: “By all means save some” (1 Cor 9:22) hence working across denominations, beach missions, ‘film nights’ (no Netflix available), mobilising others, using available musical talent, holiday camp spots, youth camps, working with other evangelists and so on.

“One night Dad was alone in the caravan, which I recall as somewhat rudimentary (with an outside loo courtesy of Elsan). In a location with which he was unfamiliar, in his mid-thirties, no doubt apprehensive having launched this new work. He woke in the pitch black of the small hours and was immediately aware of a “presence.” It really spooked him, and he got up, reaching for matches to light the Calor-gas globe to gain some illumination. Having lit the match, from behind came a definite “puff” which blew it out– this happened two or three times by which point DHP was not feeling too comfortable, praying for protection in Jesus’ name. Eventually, he succeeded, light was achieved, and later so was sleep.

“First thing the following morning there was a knock at the caravan's door. Mr Prouton, from the local chapel supporting the mission, was there. I used to think he was a very elderly man, but my sister reminded me that we knew he was 71, which I now realise doesn’t merit that description!

‘Are you all right, brother?’ was his opening question.

‘Yes, thank you.’ Came the reply.

‘But you weren’t, were you?’ Mr Prouton responded.

“It transpired that he too had woken in the night and felt the Spirit move him to pray for his evangelist brother, who was under attack – so he did.

“Five minutes isn’t long to get over much, but I trust this little account of the start of Pa’s experience illustrates sufficiently the reality of the opposition Jesus said his disciples, his apostles, would face. ‘We wrestle not against flesh and blood.’

“As other Counties workers visited, I’d hear of other experiences which showed such opposition and pressure was not unusual. It also shows the importance of those actively supporting the work, especially (but not exclusively) in prayer.”

As Martin wrote to the Connect Network recently: “He is the God of the living, not the dead, for they are all alive to him.” Luke 20:38

Jesus’ words to the Sadducees in Luke 20 are a great reminder that ‘the past’ is not the past to God. He is the God of the living, and all who have gone before us are with Him today, rejoicing in His presence.

But God is not stuck in the past, as we can so often become. Those gathered turned to pray to the God of the present.

We prayed after report after report of how little old North Devon was part of what God is doing today across the area, the county, the UK, and Europe.

We thanked the 70 people gathered to pray for their prayerful and financial support for Counties throughout the last year. The 14 churches present included Independents, Anglicans, Baptist, AOG, Calvary Chapel, Brethren heritage. James reported on how local churches like these are being inspired, equipped and engaged in Counties Connect Network.

Sue Ashmole, Counties National Neighbourhood Chaplain Coordinator, inspired us with how the story of her coming to faith motivates her to encourage local churches to connect with their communities.

Debbie Hyde reported how Counties was equipping church plants across the UK and Europe and endorsing Andrew Conlan, Counties Regional Connector. He supports Devon churches in their vision of six for six in three. Six workers for six churches in three years.

Steve Ellacott explained how he offers Christian input to local private schools and their international students. The Life Exhibition is booked in North Devon for 2025.

Alex and Beth Symons asked for prayer as they responded to One Way Church, South Molton's invitation to ‘come over and help them’.

The last report was from Dave Symons, Counties Devon Cluster Leader and evangelist. Dave had asked Petroc College CU to lead us in worship and young adults were helping run the whole event. Dave noticed the room’s excitement about all that had been done but reminded us of the needs were greater than ever.

Thank you Grosvenor Church Barnstaple elders and staff for hosting us and to all the supporters who travelled to the event from ‘tuther side’ –  beyond North Devon and further afield.  Perhaps you cringe or wince at Devon's limited outlook. It is not for everyone for sure. But like every county of the UK, the harvest has ever been plentiful. So please join North Devon to pray to the Lord of the Harvest for workers.